The San Diego Food + Wine Festival Returns for Its 21st Year of Culinary Brilliance

The San Diego Food + Wine Festival returns November 2–9, 2025, transforming the waterfront into a cross-border culinary playground featuring Michelin-starred chefs, James Beard Award winners, and top talent from both sides of the border.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL

Voted Best Wine Festival in the Country by USA Today for two consecutive years, SDFW celebrates its 21st year with more than 20 flavor-packed experiences — from star-studded tastings to chef-led dinners, cultural celebrations, and workshops designed to feed both curiosity and appetite.

The Grand Weekend: Three Iconic Events

The Festival’s legendary Grand Weekend runs November 7–9, anchored by three signature experiences that define the city’s culinary scene.

Grand Decant — Friday, November 7
A dazzling night of luxury wines, spirits, and small bites from award-winning chefs — the perfect kickoff to a weekend of indulgence.

Grand Tasting — Saturday, November 8
Presented by Southwest Airlines, this is the heart of the Festival: a sprawling, sun-soaked tasting event featuring 300+ chefs, winemakers, mixologists, and artisans set against the San Diego Bay. The airline will also host the event’s VIP Lounge, offering guests an elevated hospitality experience inspired by the joy of travel.

Grand Fiesta — Sunday, November 9
In partnership with the Consulate of Mexico, this lively celebration highlights the vibrant cross-border flavors and culture of Latin America, closing out the Festival with music, color, and community.

The Lineup: Powerhouse Chefs + Tastemakers

This year’s roster reads like a Michelin guide come to life. Among the culinary stars:

  • Roberto Alcocer (Valle, Oceanside / Malva, Baja) — Michelin-Starred Chef
  • Carlos Gaytán (Paseo Restaurant, Chicago/Playa del Carmen) — Michelin-Starred Chef
  • Suzette Gresham (Acquerello, San Francisco) — Two Michelin Stars
  • Maynard Llera (Kuya Lord, Los Angeles) — 2024 James Beard Best Chef: California
  • Tara Monsod (ANIMAE / Le Coq) — James Beard Semifinalist
  • Maeve Rochford (Sugar & Scribe, La Jolla) — Food Network Champion
  • Drew Deckman (Deckman’s, Baja) — Michelin-Starred Chef

And that’s just the beginning — dozens more chefs, winemakers, and innovators will be announced leading up to November.

Partnering with Southwest Airlines

In a milestone move, Southwest Airlines joins the Festival as the Presenting Sponsor of the Grand Tasting under a new two-year partnership. The collaboration highlights the airline’s deep connection to San Diego — especially as the city unveils its new Terminal 1 — and underscores the Festival’s expanding national reach.

Through this partnership, Southwest will help fly in top culinary talent and creators from across the country, while also supporting the Festival’s Scholarship Program, which has awarded more than $600,000 to rising stars and nonprofits like the James Beard Foundation, Food Tank, and The Ecology Center.

Must-Do:

Grand Tasting (Saturday, Nov 8) • Grand Decant (Friday, Nov 7) • Grand Fiesta (Sunday, Nov 9)

Best For:

Food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone who believes in experiencing the world one bite at a time.

Where + When:

November 2–9, 2025 // Various Locations Across San Diego
Main events along the San Diego Bay

Stay Connected:

@sdfoodwine // sandiegowineclassic.com


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